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Monday, September 29, 2014

I've always had a thing for the environment. I believe that we, as humans had to do our part in preserving Mother Earth. We have to do our share and give all the help that we can. After all, Earth is the only planet that we have and it's our only home. I used to be actively involved in environmental projects and programs when I was still in school. So whenever I get the chance to lend a helping hand to any 'green or environmental-related activities there is, I'd grab the opportunity to volunteer even without thinking twice. Such was what recently transpired when I'd received an invitation to volunteer for Coca-Cola Coastal Cleanup Drive 2014 as part of the celebration of International Coastal Cleanup Day.

Bloggers ready for coastal cleanup

The 28th annual International Coastal Cleanup® was held globally last September 27, 2014. The International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest volunteer effort, attracting hundreds of thousands of participants to collect millions of pounds of trash and debris from beaches, lakes and waterways.

Moi, Kyle and fellow blogger and friend, Dems Angeles

I'd welcome invitations for tree-planting, environmental talks, seminars, conferences or lectures--but I had never tried cleaning up the coast. But as they say, "there will always be the first time." I had tagged along with me, Kyle and blogger friend Dems Angeles of www.demsangeles.com. When we arrived at the venue, I was happy to see other groups working hand-in-hand and by batches in that long coastal stretch of Coastal Road in Parañaque. There were different non-governmental organizations, school organizations such as St. Paul University in Parañaque, private institutions and offices like Philippine Airlines etc.

The author with a huge stick to stack up trash and sack, literally drenched in sweat.

We were literally exposed and baked under the debilitating heat of the sun that Saturday morning. But everyone seemed to be in a high spirit as we shoved, picked, raked and gathered the mounds after mounds of trash from that coastal area. I've began to wonder what the place used to looked like some decades ago. Kyle said it probably looked similar to Boracay. It could've been a perfect place to watch the magnificent sunset that Manila Bay was known for. Sadly, the volunteers weren't enough to completely clean them up. The place actually resembles the old "Smokey Mountain". From used baby diapers to old bags filled with sands to shoes and styrofoam + plastics--name any trash that you can think about, the coastal seemed to have it. Of course, there were the occasional bad and stinking smell that wafted in the air when you're in mounds of garbage. But as volunteers, we didn't really mind. We were there to get muddy, dirty and to help in cleaning the mounds of garbage. We were sweltering under the sun, drenched in sweats but we were having fun. It was another eye-opening experience for us all, especially for my beloved 12-year-old Kyle. While we were picking up some garbage and putting them on our sacks, I told Kyle that what we were doing was basically a typical day for scavengers. Some people does literally hunt or scavenge in search for items like used plastic bottles in order to have something to eat for the day. This was my main reason why I tagged along Kyle for the Coca-Cola Coastal Cleanup event. I wanted to expose him in environmental events such as these so that he could see for himself what nature had become and later on decide what he can do something in his own little way to help preserve them. Also, it's a realization on his part to thank God that he's lucky to eat three times a day without the need to scavenge on a huge pile of garbages.

During the Coca-Cola Coastal Cleanup, Coca-Cola had given away Eight O' Clock Orange Juice Packs as well as Wilkins Drinking Water bottles and of course, Coke bottles to the delight of the volunteers. There were also water refilling stations and standby First Aid/ambulance for the security and safety of every volunteers. As a token for blogger volunteers, we were given personalized Coca-Cola shirts.

The cute shirt from Coke with my name on it!

Moi and Dems Angeles take shelter under the trees.

In a nutshell, although we were a bit exhausted, starving and perspiring, it felt good to be able to give something back or do something for the environment. It may not be much, we may not have created much impact, but the most important thing was that we were able to do our share and has shown that we care. "Do what you can, where you are and with what you have". We were only given one planet. If only everyone participates in environmental activities such as these, then maybe, we'd have a cleaner and better place to live in.

Thank you so much Coca-Cola and Green Bulb PR for inviting me to this event. I really appreciate that you've given us the opportunity to volunteer for this activity.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Filipinos are naturally family-oriented, that's why we have extended families and we know each other's names from the oldest family matriarch all the way down to the so-called "apo sa tuhod or for the luckier ones, even the "apo sa talampakan" (meaning great, great grandchildren). But there are those whose love for family goes beyond one's kin, extending unconditional love to their fellowmen who are in need. And these families were the recipients of the recently concluded Jolibee 4th Family Values Awards. These were the exemplary Filipino families who had shown values that will make any Filipino be proud of being one.

GONZALES FAMILY

I was privileged to have met these families during the awarding night held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). Among these kind-hearted families is the Gonzales family of Cubao, Quezon City (Special Citation for Persons with Disability (PWDs). It had been their advocacy to raise awareness about autism and offer support to other families who has a loved one with the same condition. In 1982, Octavio and Jean Gonzales' son Magiting was diagnosed with autism and at that has made them aware of the lack of knowledge and understanding on how how to handle such special condition in the Philippines. They used their own savings and sought help from other relatives so that Jean can undergo training in the US to be able to share what she has learned with others when she comes home.

In 1999, the Gonzales couple established the Philippines Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities, Inc. (PACDLD), which provides counseling and livelihood programs for parents of children with autism, as well as art workshops for kids. In partnership with the Department of Health, the organization also holds seminars on helping identify children with disabilities, providing training to daycare teachers, rural health units, and barangay health workers. The PACDLD also put up Parent Resource Centers in different areas across the country where parents from poor communities can bring their children and get free check up and diagnosis. As of date, through the family's efforts, 10,000 families nationwide from Metro Manila, Baguio and even as far as Zamboanga. Dakila, the eldest among Gonzales kids is based in Europe but continuous to help raise funds for e family's projects. Mayumi, a teacher specializes in autism and acts as a consultant for regular schools with special kids. Octavio andh is son Marangal also provides sports trainings for persons with special needs, including boccia, a ball sport for those with cerebral palsy, and bocce, a game for people with intellectual disabilities.

MANALAYSAY FAMILY

The Manalaysay family of Cavite City is also a proof that family isn't just about blood relation. It's more about connection and commitment. Harnin or Tatz, has been actively involved in various projects and activities for the benefit of the underprivileged kids. In 1985, Tatz has established Club 8586, a Bible study group for youngsters. The organization eventually grew to offer literacy and values formation program, sports festivals and talent enhancement activities using education to dissuade poor kids from joining fraternities.

Since 1992, Tatz had been holding weekly tutoring lessons for street children, teaching them basic math and spelling, as well as proper hygiene. His work led him to meeting Cris "Kesz" Valdez--the young boy who was scavenging at age two to help earn money for his family, who'd often run away from home, slept on the streets and open tombs to avoid beatings from his father. When Kesz was five, he fell into a pile of burning tires and sustained severe burns. It was Tatz who had rescued the boy and eventually adopted him to become his legal guardian, raising him along with other kids as his own.

Inspired by his foster father's generosity, Kesz established his own foundation--the Championing Community Children (C3), when he was seven years old. Under the guidance of Tatz, the young boy and his friends raised funds to provide toys, hygiene kits and slippers to poor children. Because of Kesz efforts, he was able to help more than 10,000 kids in Cavite and was awarded the International Children's Peace Prize. He was also hailed by Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu.

Tatz, is also known as the mentor of 2009 CNN Hero of the Year awardee, Efern Peñaflorida, the man behind Dynamic Teen Company and KaritonKlasrum, which uses pushcarts as mobile classrooms to provide quality education to street children and out-of-school-youth.

Palacio Family from Pandacan Manila are active volunteers of the Families and Children Empowerment and Development (FCED), a non-profit organization that promotes social and economic development in depressed areas in Manila. They visit different depressed areas to teach values and basic reading and writing to street children. They visit these communities on foot on a weekly basis without receiving any compensation. They also facilitate peer-to-peer activities with topics such as bullying.

VILLA-WILCOX FAMILY

Villa-Wilcox family from San Jose, California is this year's Jollibee-Coca-Cola Global Pinoy Family of the Year. They have a special citation for education. In 2008, they've established Project PEARLS (Peace, Education, Aspiration, Respect, Love, Smiles) that provides educational, scholarship and feeding programs to underprivileged children from Bulacan, Manila, and Zamboanga, as well as Dagupan, Caloocan, Guimaras and Masbate. In 2010, the family also introduced Project PEARLS to the children of Ulingan, a slum area in Tondo that earns a living out of making charcoals. Since then, they hold weekly feeding program, offered scholarship grants and hold quarterly medical mission for families there. All the members of Villa-Wilcox family play an active role in various outreach activities of their organization.

Special Citation:

HAGAD FAMILY of Singapore

Special Citation for the Environment--In 2011, Hagad family bought a property in Daliaon, Davao City. They found out that the area did not have sustainable water supply and residents had to walk one kilometer to get water from a communal deep. They've funded the construction of waterworks system and worked with barangay and other experts so that the community eventually had access to clean water. They also had gift giving programs. They've given away school bags and donated medical devices such as blood pressure monitors with stethoscopes, nebulizers and wheelchairs to barangay.

MACALINTAL FAMILY

Special Citation for Minority Groups

A teacher at Aurelio Arago National High School, Alvin observed that many Mangyan students dropped out of classes because of various struggles. They had to walk 30 kilometers for five hours just to get to class, or go by boat paying P250 monthly fee. This motivated him to establish BalayLakay, a home center for Mangyan students who live far from the campus. The family is also involved in other projects such as Hapag ng Pamilyang Mindoreño, helping facilitate pre-cana seminars for couokes who are getting married. Alvin and his brothers akso send 14 scholars to Aurelio Arago National High School.

SOLIDUM FAMILY

Another family from Pandacan, Manila uses their god-given talents and expertise to educate the public about dengue prevention. The parents are active with the Dengue Remove Program, a commissioned research of the Department of Science and Technology--National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), with Dr, Judilyn as head of the eco-socioeconomic arm while Dr. Gilmore, serving as research specialist. The couple created storybooks such as Moskee Ang BampirangLamok, Dinudugosi Dino, Huwag Mokong Kagatin: Ang KwentongBatang Na-dengue. Published by the DOST-NCRP, these books shed light on how people can prevent mosquito infestation, symptoms of dengue, and the actions one should take in case he gets dengue fever. The family does storytelling sessions in different Metro Manila schools that are known as dengue hotspots. Dr. Judy created workbooks and coloring books on dengue while her son, Geoff did the illustration of these books and composed two songs about dengue called Dengue Slayer Ako and Aedes Aegypti. The Solidum family holds annual Kwento Concierto, a benefit stroytelling concert. The proceeds of which goes to the dialysis fund of the pediatric kidney patients of the Philippine General Hospital.

SERRANO FAMILY

The Serrano Family of Taguig City is an advocate of children's education. Pastor Nestor and wife Maryann, a professor, founded the Champions Alive Foundation, with the aim to provide free education to out of school youth and adults. The organization gives free review classes for underprivileged Filipinos from 15-66 years old. It's committed to help keep children off the streets and away from drugs, petty crime and bad habits. Each of the Serrano children had important roles on the said foundation. The eldest daughter Pinky serves as the free day care supervisor. Nessam leads the Alternative Learning System, an educational program for those who want to attend classes, but are unable to do so because of work. Daniel heads the family's music and youth ministry, which offers voice lessons and classes on how to play violin, guitar, organ and piano. The youngest, David, is in charge of the weekly free taekwondo lessons, teaching martial arts to 30-50 students. The Serranos also have outreach and feeding programs to impoverished communities in Ilocos, Baguio and Antipolo.

As a parent, I've always been very particular with my child's snacks (what we call "baon" in the vernacular) to school. I know most Moms will be able to relate well with me. We'd spend our mornings waking up early in the wee hours of the morning just so we could prepare our breakfast as well as our kids' baon. I believe that eating healthy is synonymous to being active in school. I've never allowed Kyle to attend his classes with an empty stomach. The thing is, when our kids are in school, we don't have much control with the school environment, most especially with what they could buy from the school canteen/cafeteria. I have a strong abhorrence to schools that allows assorted junkfoods and sodas being sold in their campus. I recently joined an event by Rauch Happy Day, as part of its advocacy which aims to make people particularly the students become aware of the many healthy benefits of drinking 100% juice.

In support of the Healthy Beverages Options Act 4021 of the Philippines, Fly Ace Corporation, the Philippines' exclusive distributor of Rauch Happy Day 100% Fruit Juice launched its "I Love Healthy Juices" signature campaign which aims to produce 5,000 signatures from 10selected private schools all over greater Metro Manila and nearby provinces. To date, 1,452 signatures have already been collected.

For those who aren't familiar yet with House Bill 4021, the Healthy Beverage Options Act 4021, authored by Congresswoman Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo, 3rd District Representative, Camarines Sur and Arlene Bag-ao, it insists on the need for regulation of the availability of beverages to children in schools. The proposed statute provides that all schools must educate the students the effects of the consumption of unhealthy food and drinks, including sugar in the body. The said House Bill seeks that sodas and anything that contains caffeine and additional sweeteners with less than 50% real fruit juice are not allowed to be sold in schools, while encouraging selling of water, fruit juice with at least 50% real fruit juice content, low or fat-free milk and calcium fortified milk.

During one of Rauch Happy Day Fruit Juice "Love Healthy Fruit Juice" Campaign held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary College in Aurora Boulevard, San Juan, guest speaker, Nutrition Professor Luchie Callanta, RND, MSN, former UP Professor, CCA Manila professor, Board of Directors, Philippine Association of Nutritionists, had discussed the effects of drinking too much sodas; weight gain, risk of overweight and obesity.

According to Professor Luchie, Healthy Risks of Soda intake in Children are as follows:

*Impaired Calcification of growing bones.

*Increased risk of bone fracture.

*Insufficient Calcium

*Behavioral Problems such as Aggression, Attention Problems and Withdrawal Behavior.

Can you imagine that one can of soda alone is equivalent to seven teaspoons of sugar! I guess it's about time to ditch that soda off your family's diet. If you really can't seem to stop the craving, maybe you should try to stop by taking small steps and not do it abruptly.

Going back to the "Every Day is a Happy Day" program, the said campaign started as early as July of 2014 and has gone to Create and Learning Paths School, Multiple Intelligence International School, Miriam College-Lower School, Makati Hope Christian School, De La Salle Zobel, and Immaculate Heart of Mary College. Soon it will also find its way to Colegio De Sta. Rosa in Makati.

During the school tour, there was a visual presentation about how fruit juices are made as well as its health benefits were also discussed. MAD Science Philippines, the country's premier provider of dynamic science through educational entertainment had showcased several experiments that highlighted the effect of drinking carbonated drinks. Of course, the best part was the finale where everyone gets a free Happy Day juice pack of their own to try.

agree that there's truly a need for consumers' health and awareness to make better and healthier choices when it comes to food/drinks that hey purchase. The lesser preservative, the better. The more organic and coming from nature's bounty, them healthier it is. Glad to know that Rauch Happy Day provides a healthy alternative to calorie-laden carbonated drinks and artificially flavored fruit juices.

We were able to try out Happy Day 100% Orange Juice which contains about 2.5 kilos of sun-ripened oranges. The good news is at it covers the daily requirement for vitamin C with just one glass. We all know how important is vitamin C for our bodies don't we? It's very popular for its ability to transport "oxygen and hydrogen". It functions as a filter of free radicals (pollution etc.) and improves iron absorption in the intestines while protecting against cancer, arteriosclerosis and heart attack. Happy Day 100% Orange Juice also has B-vitamins, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, beta-carotene, cell defense substances, bioflavonoids and selenium.

A day after the said event, I went home with fever and I really wasn't feeling well. Since I had other commitments in he coming days, I'm not allowed to get sick so I immediately drank one glass of Rauch Happy Day 100% Orange Juice. And in no time, I was up and about again. True enough, the juice doesn't have that artificial sweetness I usually found in other "fruit juices". Happy Day Orange juice had the goodness of natural orange--its packed with all the vitamins and nutrients in a tetra pack juice.

Happy Day had other variants aside from Orange. They have Apple, Cranberry, Tomato, Multivitamin, Orange Juice Bits and regular Orange. They are available in 1Liter Tetra Pack while the Apple and Orange flavors are also available in 200ml baon pack.

For more information, visit www.rauch.cc and www.flyacecorp.com. Like them on Facebook at https://facebook.com/healthyfruitjuicesPH

DIsclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Posh Nails Hand and Foot Spa recently had an event held at Plana Forma, Centris Walk in Quezon City. It was an afternoon filled with zest and energy as it had been a Zumba party with the theme "Flashback to the 80's Era". The said afternoon brought fashionable ladies together wearing whatever was considered trendy back in the eighties. Some wore glittery attires, others wore neon colored skirts, bandannas, huge head gears, skimpy tights, midriffs, even ballet tutu skirts. Celebrities LJ Reyes and Bea Binene graced the said event. The said party was organized to launch Posh Nails Hand and Foot Spa's latest products and services, including their signature Whitening Manicure + Pedicure Treatment Powered by GLutaMAX. This new offering will be a available at all 25 Posh Nails branches nationwide.

The said treatment is bound to eliminate stubborn stains from your nails while at the same time keeping your nails and skin lighter, smoother and with a more youthful glow. Posh Nails Whitening Manicure Powered by GlutaMAX costs P600 while if it's for the feet (Whitening Pedicure Powered by GlutaMAX), it's Php675. If you wish to have both hands and feet treated, the bundle treatment costs Php1,275.

The treatment starts with a cup of Nice Day Coffee White that goes with your procedure. The coffee's unique 5-in-1 coffee mix contains glutathione and collagen which are both designed to make your skin supple, lighter and more radiant with continued intake. The amino acids in glutathione had anti-oxidant properties, improves immune system, helps to flush out toxins and carcinogens from the body. Collagen keeps skin hydrated and gives a dewy youthful glow.

Next up, your hands or feet will be exfoliated by our expert nail technicians from Posh Nails Hand and Foot Spa. It will reveal whiter and smoother skin. Say bye-bye to rough and dryness as exfoliation sloughs off dull skin revealing brighter complexion in the process.

Your hands or feet will experience pampering because after the cleaning process, they'll be having a quick hand or foot massage that will leave you feeling more relaxed. Then, it will be followed by the application of Whitening Lotion Powered by GlutaMAX. The product has advanced essences that effectively whitens and smoothenso out the skin. It contains SPF 15, Vitamin B3, glutathione, and Algowhite. It's dermatologist tested and approved so you don't have to worry because it's guaranteed to be safe and effective.

Your nails will then be covered n Cuccio Sicilian Nail Whitening Paste. Formulated for extreme cleansing and nail brightening, the said product works both on artificial and natural nails. It thoroughly cleanses your nail beds, and whitens its free edges. It's no -abrasive so you can be assured that yellow stains can be brushed away as well as stains fro. Dark polish, smoking, colored food and dye etc. It also contains tea tree oil which is considered a natural antiseptic. After which, you can now pick your polish. With Posh Nails Hand and Foot Spa's wide array of nail polish, there'll surely be something that will caught your fancy. And in no time, voila! You'll be coming out of Posh Nails with a huge smile on your face, knowing fully well what a relaxing day it had been.

Get to know more about Posh Nails Hand and Foot Spa and its products and services, visit their website at www.PoshNails.com.ph

LIKE them on Facebook at https://facebook.com/POSHNAILS.HandandFootSpa

Follow them on Twitter @PoshNails

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Max's Restaurant, the country's leading Filipino dining restaurant which traces its origin almost seven decades ago raises the bar in its delivery service. Max's, "the house that chicken built" continues to innovate and expand worldwide as they share and delight generations of Filipino families with their heirloom recipes. Established in 1945 by Maximo Gimenez, Max's had won the hearts of many starting off with their "sarap-to-the-bones" chicken recipe. Today, Max's re-launched its delivery service, giving its consumers and loyal clientele a fresher and innovative look while maintaining that superb customer service which they've always been known for.

"The growth that has been achieved by Max's Delivery is truly remarkable. Now, Filipinos may enjoy their favorite Max's meals and dishes as well as other sumptuous dishes just by clicking online via Max's website or calling Max's delivery hotline 7-9000. Another innovative development, Filipinos overseas may also send and surprise their loved ones and relatives in the Philippines by sending them their favorite Max's dishes through Max's online delivery," shared Orly Villanueva, Marketing Manager for Delivery and E-Commerce.

Event's host was Iya Villania-Arellano

Max's delivery service had received a lot of commendations from ordinary satisfied customers according to Mark Gamboa, Max's Marketing Director. He even shared a story about a customer who was happy that despite her chickenpox, the delivery guy from Max's didn't hesitated to bring her favorite Max's dishes. One even cited an incident where the Max's delivery guy honestly returned the excess change to the customer. These are just some of the many reasons why Max's delivery service delights its customers.

The said re-launching was held recently at The Whitespace, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City. It was well attended by Max's executives headed by Ms. Carolyn Salud, President and CEO of Max's Restaurant, managers, personnel and the entire Max's family with friends from the media and bloggers. The event was hosted by TV Host/celebrity/endorser Ms. Iya Villania-Arellano. True Faith's Eugene and Medwin Marfil also graced the said launching as the brothers sang Max's Delivery upbeat and catchy new jingle. Hip-hop dancers A Team also wowed the guests with their energetic dance number. While the members of Max's Delivery Team sashayed on stage wearing the new Max's Delivery uniforms. They also had a pledge/oath of delightful service. The Max's Quezon City Circle branch were also awarded and wowed the crowd after they have gathered 1 Million in two months of Max's delivery service--a challenge and feat indeed.

Max's posted double-digit growth in the first half of the year and is aiming to further sustain its success by the end of this year. Max's continuously beefs up its delivery service by offering better choices and bundle promos in all of its 95 delivery stores nationwide.

Guests enjoyed the night with music, food, and wine. They also went home with tokens from Max's Restaurant which includes a classic black Axis watch and gift certificates. Truly, Max's Restaurant knows how exceptional customer service should be. No wonder, they've been delighting customer for 70 years and counting...not every restaurant does that!

For more updates and promos, log on to Max's website: www.maxschicken.com

Check them out through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @maxschicken.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.